OAU Supports Troops Deployment in Mano River Region

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Secretary-General Salim Ahmed Salim Wednesday announced an OAU contribution of 300,000 US dollars from its peace fund to assist the recent ECOWAS decision to deploy observer mission at the land and coastal borders of Liberia and Guinea.

The two nations along with Sierra Leone, form the three- member Mano River Union (MRU), which are in crisis, accusing each other of harbouring dissidents in their territories.

An OAU statement quoted Salim as having expressed grave concern over the mounting tension and instability among the three countries, warning that the conflict could plunge them into further instability with "devastating consequences."

He appealed to all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraints and co-operate with ECOWAS, Economic Community of West African States in its ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis.

"The Secretary-general further called on the MRU member States and the international community to lend their concrete support to the efforts of ECOWAS," the statement added.

It disclosed that a Special Envoy of the OAU Secretary- general to Sierra Leone had just concluded the second phase of his working visit to West Africa to consult leaders of the sub- region.

"As a follow up to the visit, the OAU is considering how to help the MRU resolve the conflict," the statement said.

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